It was in 1983 when a small library specializing in the performing arts—where dramatized reading took place after their setup—consolidated as what is now known as Foro Shakespeare.
This romantic name was given by producer and businessman Héctor Fuentes, who took inspiration from Parisian library Shakespeare and Company.
This is an independent forum, meaning it has no state funding and they earn their income from the audience alone. Michelle Hallar, promotion director, tells us that this requires “a major rigor to have quality programs, good enough to spark feelings and make the public feel alive”.
Foro is made up of a main theater with 200 seats lined up on long planks; a chamber theatre for 30 people; a space called “Teatrino”, for 30 people as well; the restaurant-bar El Hamlet (where Teatrino’s located) and a performing arts library.
They also have a performing arts laboratory, DramaLab, where they offer workshops on acting, improvising, directing and casting.